Red spots suddenly appear on your baby. Is it dangerous? Should you call the doctor? Rashes in babies and children are very common, and in the vast majority of cases they are completely harmless. But it can be hard to know what different rashes mean.
In this guide we go through the most common rashes in babies and children, how to recognize them, what you can do at home — and when it is important to see a doctor.
Baby Acne (Acne Neonatorum)
Age: Most common from 2–4 weeks | Duration: A few weeks to months
Many parents are surprised when their newborn develops pimples. Baby acne is completely normal and is caused by the mother's hormones that are still circulating in the baby's body after birth.
What it looks like:
- Small red or white spots, mainly on the face
- Most common on the cheeks, nose, and forehead
- Can worsen when the baby is warm or crying
Treatment:
- No treatment is needed — it clears up on its own
- Wash gently with lukewarm water
- Avoid creams and oils on the face
- Do not squeeze the spots
Baby acne is cosmetic and does not bother your baby. It looks worse than it is, and it leaves no scars. Leave it to clear in its own time.
Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)
Age: 0–3 months | Duration: Weeks to months
Cradle cap is yellowish, greasy flakes on your baby's scalp. It can look alarming, but it is completely harmless and does not itch.
What it looks like:
- Yellowish, greasy scales on the scalp
- Can also appear behind the ears, in the eyebrows, and in skin folds
- The skin beneath is often reddish
Treatment:
- Apply baby oil or olive oil to the scales and leave it for a few hours
- Brush gently with a soft baby brush
- Wash hair with a mild baby shampoo
- Repeat as needed — it often takes a few weeks to clear
Heat Rash (Miliaria)
Age: All ages | Duration: Hours to days
Heat rash occurs when sweat glands become blocked, and is particularly common in babies because their sweat glands are not yet fully developed. It is most common in summer or when a baby is overdressed.
What it looks like:
- Small red or pink spots, often in clusters
- Most common in skin folds: neck, armpits, groin
- Can also appear on chest, back, and in the nappy area
- Skin may feel rough and uneven
Treatment:
- Cool your baby down — remove layers of clothing
- Keep skin dry and cool
- Dress your baby in loose, breathable natural fabrics
- A lukewarm bath can help
- Avoid thick creams that block sweat glands
Dressing rule of thumb: Your baby needs roughly the same number of layers as you, plus one. If in doubt, feel the back of your baby's neck — if it is sweaty and warm, they have too many layers on.
Atopic Eczema (Childhood Eczema)
Age: From 3 months (most common) | Duration: Chronic, but often improves with age
Atopic eczema is the most common chronic skin condition in children. According to the AAP, it affects up to 20% of children, and most develop it during the first year of life.
What it looks like:
- Red, dry, itchy skin
- In babies: most common on the face and the outer sides of arms and legs
- In older children: most common in the elbow creases and behind the knees
- Skin can be rough, flaking, and cracked
- During flare-ups: weeping, crusting sores
Treatment:
- Daily moisturizer — apply all over after bathing, at least twice daily
- Gentle skincare — fragrance-free products, avoid long hot baths
- Hydrocortisone cream during flare-ups — 1% hydrocortisone is available over the counter; stronger preparations require a prescription
- Identify triggers — common ones include wool next to skin, sweating, dry air, and detergents
- Cotton clothing next to the skin
Eczema that is weeping, has yellow crusts, or rapidly worsens may have become infected with bacteria. See your doctor — infected eczema may need antibiotic treatment.
Does it get better? Many children grow out of eczema. Around half are free of eczema by age 5, and most see significant improvement by school age.
Hives (Urticaria)
Age: All ages | Duration: Minutes to days
Hives are raised, itchy welts on the skin that can appear suddenly. In children they are very common and usually harmless, even though they can look dramatic.
What it looks like:
- Raised red or pale pink welts (like mosquito bites)
- Welts can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters
- They can merge into larger areas
- The rash "moves" — disappears in one place and appears in another
- Usually itchy
Common causes:
- Viral infections (the most common cause in children)
- Cold or heat
- Food (less common in children than many assume)
- Insect stings
- Medications
Treatment:
- Antihistamine (cetirizine or loratadine) — available over the counter
- Cold, damp cloths on itchy areas
- Loose, natural-fabric clothing
- Usually resolves on its own within hours to days
Call emergency services immediately if your child develops hives combined with swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or appears generally unwell. These can be signs of anaphylaxis and require emergency treatment.
Nappy Rash (Diaper Dermatitis)
Age: 0–2 years | Duration: Days to weeks
Most babies who wear nappies will experience nappy rash at some point. Moist, warm skin in contact with urine and stool irritates delicate baby skin.
What it looks like:
- Red, irritated skin in the nappy area
- May be shiny, smooth, or have small spots
- Your baby may seem uncomfortable during nappy changes
Treatment and prevention:
- Frequent nappy changes — change as soon as the nappy is wet or soiled
- Air time — let your baby lie without a nappy for a while, several times a day
- Zinc oxide cream — creates a protective barrier on the skin
- Gentle cleaning — use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser; avoid fragranced wipes
- Avoid a tight nappy — make sure the nappy is not too snug
If the nappy rash has sharply defined, bright red patches with satellite spots around the edges, it may be a yeast infection (candida). This requires antifungal cream from your doctor or pharmacist.
Newborn Rash (Erythema Toxicum)
Age: 1–3 days after birth | Duration: A few days to 2 weeks
Despite the alarming name, this is a completely harmless rash that affects up to half of all newborns. It is a normal skin reaction during the transition to life outside the womb.
What it looks like:
- Red patches with a small yellow or white spot in the centre
- Can appear all over the body (except the palms and soles)
- Comes and goes; can "migrate" around the body
Treatment:
- No treatment needed — it disappears on its own
- Do not squeeze or try to treat the spots
Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum)
Age: Most common 5–15 years, can affect any age | Duration: 1–3 weeks
Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19 and is a mild viral illness. The most characteristic feature is a bright red "slapped cheek" appearance.
What it looks like:
- Bright red cheeks ("slapped cheek") — as if the child has been gently slapped
- After 1–4 days: a lacy, pale pink rash on the body, arms, and legs
- The rash can come and go for several weeks, especially in heat, sunlight, or after bathing
- Mild fever and cold-like symptoms may appear before the rash
Treatment:
- Symptom relief — paracetamol/acetaminophen for fever and discomfort
- Plenty of fluids
- Your child is usually no longer contagious once the rash appears
Fifth disease can be dangerous for pregnant women who have not previously had it, as the virus can harm the developing baby. Contact your midwife or doctor if you are pregnant and have been in contact with a child who has fifth disease.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Age: Most common under 5 years | Duration: 7–10 days
A common and contagious viral illness that causes blisters in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. It is caused by enterovirus and spreads easily in childcare settings.
What it looks like:
- Small, painful sores and blisters in the mouth (cheeks, gums, tongue)
- Red rash with small blisters on the palms and soles
- Can also appear on the buttocks
- Fever, sore throat, and reduced appetite
Treatment:
- Pain relief (paracetamol/acetaminophen or ibuprofen) for mouth pain
- Cold drinks and soft foods
- Ice lollies and cold yoghurt can soothe
- Avoid salty and acidic foods
When Should You See a Doctor?
Most childhood rashes are harmless and clear on their own. But contact your doctor or urgent care if:
- The rash does not fade when pressed — press a glass against the rash. If it does not fade, this could be petechiae (tiny bleeds into the skin), which need urgent assessment
- Your child is generally unwell — limp, high fever, difficult to rouse
- The rash is spreading rapidly and your child is clearly distressed
- There are signs of infection — pus, warmth, swelling, increasing pain
- The rash persists for more than 2 weeks without improvement
- Your child has difficulty breathing or has swelling of the face
The glass test: Press a glass firmly against the rash. If the rash does NOT fade (disappear under pressure), call your doctor immediately. Non-blanching rashes (which do not fade) can in rare cases be a sign of a serious infection such as meningococcal disease.
General Tips for Baby Skin
Baby skin is much thinner and more vulnerable than adult skin. Here are some general guidelines:
- Bathing: 2–3 times a week is enough. Use lukewarm water and fragrance-free baby wash
- Moisture: Apply fragrance-free moisturizer after bathing
- Laundry: Use fragrance-free detergent and rinse thoroughly
- Clothing: Cotton next to the skin; avoid wool directly against bare baby skin
- Sun protection: Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun. Older babies need high-SPF sunscreen when outdoors
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rashes in newborns dangerous?
The vast majority of rashes in newborns are completely harmless. Baby acne, newborn rash (erythema toxicum), and cradle cap are all normal skin reactions. The most important thing is to recognize warning signs: a rash that does not blanch when pressed, combined with fever and lethargy, should always be assessed by a doctor.
Can I use hydrocortisone cream on my baby?
Mild hydrocortisone cream (1%) can be used on babies over 2 months for a limited time, for example for eczema. Apply a thin layer only to the affected areas, and avoid the face and skin folds. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on correct use and dosage.
Why does my child itch all the time?
Itching in children is most often caused by dry skin or atopic eczema. Ensure good moisturizing, avoid irritating substances against the skin, and keep the temperature comfortable (not too warm). Persistent itching that disturbs sleep and wellbeing should be assessed by a doctor.
When should I be concerned about a rash?
A rash combined with high fever, lethargy, stiff neck, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face requires prompt medical assessment. A rash that does not blanch on the glass test is always a reason to contact a doctor immediately.
Further Reading
- Chickenpox in Children
- Fever in Children — When to See a Doctor
- Allergies in Children
- Baby and Sun — Summer Guide